Head Instructor
Mark started training Jiu Jitsu in 2014 and was recently promoted to Blackbelt in January of 2023. Mark began helping with kids classes and assisting instruction in 2015 and has been teaching or helping in some capacity ever since. Outside of the gym Mark is a husband and father to his wife Victoria and daughter, Viviana.
Instructor
David began training Jiu Jitsu in January of 2020 and was promoted to Purple belt by Mark Herman in 2023. David began coaching kids classes in 2021 and is a staple in our kids program. David is a husband to his wife Amberly(whos is also a blue belt) and father to his three children; Scarlett, Wells, and Faryn.
Competition Instructor
Michael Smith Jr started training as a kid and earned his orange belt before diving into other athletic activities. He returned to the mat in 2019 and has since achieved his Brown belt in September of 2024. Mike has competed and coached for several years. He is a husband to his wife Alayna Smith, and soon to be father to Michael Jason Smith III.
No Gi Instructor
Levi Thurman has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2019, and currently holds a brown belt. Levi has a passion for gaining and sharing knowledge and competes as much as possible, making him a great coach and friend. Levi trains alongside his girlfriend, Lauren wade, who is also a blue belt.
From the very start of their Jiu Jitsu journeys, these four exceptional kids have trained under, or with Mark Herman, honing their skills at Blackout and two other esteemed schools. Their dedication, passion, and hard work have earned them a special place in our hearts, and their achievements are proudly displayed on our medal wall. We’re incredibly grateful to have these inspiring young athletes as part of the Blackout family, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and shine in their martial arts journey.
Lando has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2019 and earned his blue belt in September of 2024. His Favorite thing about Jiu-jitsu is finishing a submission with a triangle.
Maya began training in 2021 and currently holds a yellow belt in Jiu-jitsu that she earned in September of 2024. Her favorite thing about training is being a part of a team and school that she can be herself in, and hitting her favorite chokes in competition.
Greyson began his martial arts journey in 2013 with taekwondo and started training Jiu-jitsu in 2018, he now holds a green belt as of September, 2024. His favorite thing in Jiu-Jitsu is the hip toss.
Tyler currently holds a yellow belt in jiu Jitsu and started training in 2018. His favorite thing about grappling is coming to a school where he can be himself while practicing a sport he loves.
